Articles
Leafy seadragon, Tumby Bay, South Australia: This was the first image I shot with the new MFO-3. The lens was easy to use and noticeably improved focus in low-light conditions, resulting in excellent contrast (Nikon Z8, Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/16, 1/160s, ISO320)
Well known for “water-contact optics” like the Extended Macro Wide Lens (EMWL) and Fisheye Conversion Port (FCP-1), Nauticam introduced another new class of lens at the 2024 DEMA Show, the midrange focus optimizer, designed to fix flaws in a variety of native lenses and enhance overall performance when shooting in mid ranges.
While the first version, the MFO-1, aims to extend the focus range, minimize lens aberration, and boost magnification, the new MFO-3 is specifically designed to allow macro photographers—especially blackwater shooters—to focus closer, but also brings a variety of other benefits.
Frogfish and ambient light, Anilao, Philippines: Closeness to my lens and a slow shutter speed helped capture the exquisite details of a lovely painted frogfish while keeping the ambient light in the background (Nikon Z8, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/13, 1/40s, ISO250)
Seahorse silhouette, Anilao, Philippines: The MFO-3 gives 90mm, 100mm and 105mm lenses a wider angle of view—like a 50mm or 60mm macro lens (Nikon Z8, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/25, 1/200s, ISO80)
I shot the MFO-3 extensively back home in Anilao, Philippines, but I had my first opportunity to use the MFO-3 during a recent trip to South Australia. I picked it up in Hong Kong while en route and had the opportunity to briefly discuss the new lens’ engineering and what to expect when using it. The MFO-3 slid easily into an already packed camera bag, and I continued my journey with this conceptually new and then-secret device.
Winter conditions dominated in South Australia, bringing waves, wind, rain, and sediment into the water. I had planned to use my Nikon 8–15mm fisheye lens and close-focus wide-angle techniques to photograph the leafy seadragons, but then realized, given the current conditions, that was impossible. Changing my strategy, I swapped lenses and ports, grabbed the MFO-3, and went into the water.
It took us two bone-chilling dives to locate our target, but soon after we entered the water on the second dive, we hit pay dirt.
At 4.5 inches (114mm) long, the MFO-3 adds appreciably to the size of your rig, but it also adds useful stability in the water
Getting Close, Getting Closer
Leafy seadragons are arguably the most whimsical creatures on our planet. They are mesmerizing to watch as they float and drift with the surge, moving up and down with each passing wave while rocking back and forth in a dipping motion. Their bodies are tall, their snouts are elongated, and they maneuver with transparent dorsal and pectoral fins. Their intricate design mimics the algae or seagrass where they live, and their coloration provides perfect camouflage.
I approached my solitary leafy as I usually would, using my 105mm macro lens, but when I looked through the viewfinder, I immediately noticed that I had more frame space than expected. I quickly glanced over my camera, thinking the subject was too far away from me, but I found it was looking directly into my lens, only six inches (15cm) away. Surprised, I motioned for my model to come over and easily worked her into the frame.
Leafy seadragon and model, Tumby Bay, South Australia: The MFO-3 is designed to reduce working distance while expanding the field of view, and I immediately noticed these two features when I looked through my viewfinder (Nikon Z8, Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/14, 1/200s, ISO320)
Later, we explored a field of razor clams under a different jetty, where we found a clingfish with eggs, nestled deep within the recesses of a clam. I tried shooting it with a straight 105mm but couldn’t get close enough to light it properly. I backed off, attached the MFO-3, held my snoot by hand, and tried again. This new approach let me get as close as I needed while still being able to light it the way I wanted. Stabilized with fin tips on the sand and shooting straight down, I had pushed my patience close to the limit when the fish finally moved into position. My lens quickly focused, and I was able to capture this special moment.
Clingfish on eggs, Edithburgh, South Australia: Lightweight underwater, the MFO-3 allowed me to shoot well within the inner working distance of my 105mm and provided superb depth of field (Nikon Z8, Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/16, 1/160s, ISO250)
Tracking Speedy Subjects
Back on my home turf in Anilao, I was able to further test the MFO-3 by photographing some of the local subjects. I was looking at sharpness, clarity, depth of field, bokeh, focus, and anything else I could think of.
After some searching, we found the perfect setup—a family of hyperactive anemonefish aerating their eggs. We were just beneath the boat in 16 feet (5 meters) of water, with beautiful ambient light filtering down. I engaged my Nikon Z8’s 3D Tracking, reduced my working distance, and focused on shooting.
I used both fast and slow shutter speeds, and watched as the aggressive anemonefish tended to their ready-to-hatch eggs. My focus “pipper” would grab the eye of the fish and track it through the frame with ease—in, out, side to side; it made no difference. Even with the intense ambient light and lack of contrast, my autofocus had no issues when using the MFO-3.
Anemonefish with eggs, Anilao, Philippines: Using Nikon’s 3D Tracking, this fast-moving anemonefish presented a new challenge that the MFO-3 tackled with ease (Nikon Z8, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/6.3, 1/10s, ISO32)
Before proceeding, my guide pointed out a nearby flamboyant cuttlefish. This incredible hunter camouflages itself as it glides across the substrate, pulsating colors and mesmerizing its prey. Suddenly, its tentacle stretched out as it struck. Later, I realized I had captured the moment of the flamboyant feeding on a small lizardfish. When photographing behavior, quality is paramount, and after seeing this shot, I was convinced that the MFO-3 significantly improved my focus and overall image quality.
Feeding flamboyant cuttlefish, Anilao, Philippines: Timing and reliability are everything. A photographer relies on their gear, regardless of the circumstances. If it’s cumbersome or awkward, agility is compromised (Nikon Z8, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, f/18, 1/200s, ISO250)
Sharpness and contrast are impressive in these test clips of a flamboyant cuttlefish captured using the MFO-3
Blackwater Made Easier
Shooting blackwater video with a macro lens is challenging, especially when using autofocus, because the lens tends to gain and lose focus easily as the subject moves through the water, often spinning or spiraling. I usually rely on manual focus, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the autofocus managed with the MFO-3.
My 105mm gained and maintained focus easily with laterally moving subjects and tracked beyond its native capabilities when subjects moved toward or away from the lens. My blackwater tests show that anyone using a Sony 90mm or Canon 100mm lens now has a solution to the absence of 60mm lenses for blackwater diving—a real breakthrough for anyone facing this challenge.
When capturing blackwater subjects, the MFO-3 greatly improves the camera’s ability to maintain focus. The length of the lens aids in holding the camera steady while shooting, particularly for blackwater video
Final Thoughts
My testing with the MFO-3 revealed a list of benefits for shooters armed with 90mm, 100mm or 105mm macro lenses. First and foremost, as promised, the MFO-3 provides “to-the-glass” working distance while offering a wider angle of view—similar to a 50mm or 60mm macro lens. At the same time, you get enhanced depth of field, smooth bokeh, and fast and assured focus in low light. All these benefits translate to macro video, as well, especially when filming blackwater subjects.
At 4.5 inches (114mm) long and 4oz (120g) negatively buoyant underwater, the travel-friendly MFO-3 is relatively compact and lightweight. As a wet lens with a standard 67mm thread, it can be easily mounted on a flip adapter or quickly added or removed by using Nauticam’s bayonet mount.
Ultimately, for me, the most valuable benefit of using the MFO-3 was that it enabled me to shoot images that I wouldn’t have been able to capture without it. I can see it finding a permanent home in my crowded camera bag.
 |
 |
For the purity of shooting, alternating between full-frame FX mode (top) and cropped DX mode (bottom) offers a viable solution for close-up photography when using the MFO-3. Working within the inner focal range allows the native lens to focus closer with minimal compromise to the depth of field while gaining in-frame presence (Nikon Z8, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8, Nauticam MFO-3, top: f/7.1, 1/160s, ISO64; bottom: f/5.6, 1/160s, ISO64)
About the Author: Mike Bartick is a working underwater photographer residing in Anilao, Philippines. He has an insatiable love for finding unique marine life, observing and photographing their behavior, and sharing his insight and knowledge with others. His curiosity and drive for firsthand experiences have led him across the globe in search of that special critter encounter. Mike is a widely published, award-winning photographer, writer and international public speaker with work appearing monthly across various magazines, websites and online publications. He also hosts photo clinics, workshops and seminars at Crystal Blue Resort, concentrating on different aspects of underwater photography as well as the natural history of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. www.saltwaterphoto.com
|
|||||
|
|
||||
RELATED ARTICLES
Featured Photographer
